Omega Establishes New Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute in the Laboratoire de Précision

Omega today announced the creation of a new chronometer testing institute, the Laboratoire de Précision, with two locations in Switzerland, one in Bienne and the other in Villeret. Similar to the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), which has been the number one institute for certifying chronometers for over 50 years, the Laboratoire de Précision has been officially authorized by the SAS (Swiss Accreditation Service) to carry out alternative and independent testing. According to Omega, this neutral and independent laboratory, which is open to all brands and movement manufacturers, offers state-of-the-art facilities and stricter testing regimes than the COSC.

The measurement of movements in accordance with ISO 3159 "Timekeeping instruments - Wrist-chronometers with spring balance oscillator", commonly known as "chronometers", is one of the test methods for which the Laboratoire de Précision is accredited. In addition to standard chronometric equipment, the Laboratoire de Précision offers flexible in-house technologies that allow continuous high-precision measurements under customized conditions such as varying positions and temperatures.

According to Omega, the tests go beyond today's industry standard and provide more accurate measurements during the 15-day chronometer test (ISO 3159). They are extremely comprehensive and, most importantly, continuous throughout the 15 days - unlike the current method, which only takes precision measurements every 24 hours. At the Laboratoire de Précision, each beat of the caliber is measured and evaluated, resulting in what Omega claims is ten times greater accuracy than the industry standard. In addition, the amount of data collected during the tests, using industrial methods and big data analysis, allows a brand or movement manufacturer to better understand the chronometric performance of its movements.

For Omega, the Laboratoire de Précision will not only help to improve the pursuit of precision, but will also enable the Swatch Group brand to better integrate chronometric testing into its own supply chain.

To learn more, visit Omega, here.